Sunday, June 1, 2014

Preparing Your Pets for a Disaster

You and your
pets’ survival during a disaster depends on how well you start preparing today.
Start by making a plan, then gathering supplies and staying informed. The
information below can help you plan ahead for your pets in case of a
disaster.

A great place to start preparing your pets for the
unexpected would be to develop a pet care buddy system. Work with your
neighbors, friends and relatives to make sure that someone is available to care
for or evacuate your pets if you are unable to do so. One example would be; “What
if you had to go to a public shelter that did not allow animals, where would you
send your pet?” Plan in advance for shelter alternatives that will work for
both you and your pets, or consider family and friends outside of the impacted
area who would be willing to care for your pets’ during/after a disaster. If
you need to evacuate your home never leave your pets behind, since your pets
are unlikely to survive on their own. That is why it is so important to plan
ahead of time.

Creating an animal emergency supply kit is just as
important as the one you created for you and your family. Make sure the supply
kit for your pets is in an easy to get to place and everyone in the house knows
where it is. This kit should be clearly labeled and easy to carry. Items to
consider keeping in or near your pack include:

•Pet
first-aid kit and guide book - ask your vet what to include

•3-7 days'
worth of canned or dry food

•Disposable
litter trays - aluminum roasting pans work well

•Litter or
paper toweling

•Liquid
dish soap and disinfectant

•Disposable
garbage bags for waste

•Pet
feeding dishes

•Extra
collar or harness as well as an extra leash

•Photocopies
of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any
medicine your pet requires